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Chapter 13: We're Tankers, Not Talkers.

"No one can say that the Marines have ever failed to do their work in a handsome fashion."

MajGen Johnson Hagood, USA

ONE MONTH SINCE INITIAL INCURSION, 1400 HOURS, KANE'S OFFICE, MARINE CP, CAMP ALNUS

Kane furrowed his brow as he looked at various papers scattered across his desk. After a long night of having to coordinate a last minute air assault with Hazama, the last thing he needed was more paperwork. Hours of watching thermal cameras from his various air assets operating at Italica had left his eyes with a great deal of stress, having to essentially send out all his air assets last minute only added to that.

Fortunately, Hazama's boys had already long sent up their necessary calls making the coordinated assault proceed a lot smoother. In fact no sooner than Emerson had sent up the request for air support, a tired Hazama, and his top officers had made their way into the operations room in the Marine CP. In minutes infantry platoons were making their way to the airfield, aircraft were scrambled, and the assault was underway. After hours of fighting; with no less than 10,000 enemy KIA, multiple wounded, and zero allied casualties? The operation was a complete success.

The added benefit of Hazama allowing Italica to be a Marine owned and operated FOB was just the icing on the proverbial cake. Though Kane deduced this was more or less due to talks going on at the higher echelons, a Major Joyce was to oversee it's establishment and subsequent occupation.

The nature of the campaign in the Special Region was changing, it had gone from an incursion to a full-scale occupation. There were even talks about Alnus even becoming a potential duty station. Almost daily, supplies were constantly coming through the gate. All the necessary facilities and assets needed for a prolonged stay were coming through. Many were slated to go to Italica, but a great deal more were being set up to expand Alnus.

No matter how one looked at it, nothing about this campaign was normal. The allies hadn't just gone to another world, they had gone back in time too. The concept of human rights and science were nonexistent here. Instead, they were replaced with magic (if the rumors were to be believed), gods and the medieval concept of "might is right".

That been said, the allies had to do more than just fight, they had to educate and reach out too. Then, of course, there were the massive amounts of land and territory that had yet to be "tamed". The allies needed an answer to this problem, they needed more experience and numbers. The Japanese were capable, but this was still their first proverbial rodeo. If there was anyone who had gone down a road like this before, it was the U.S., and it would be the U.S. who would willingly send in more troops at the request of Japan.

There had been a lot of talks going on between the Joint Chiefs of Staff, every branch wanted a piece of the Special Region action. To be able to carve their own name in history as the victors, but in the end, the decision was unanimous. None could argue the symbolism involved between a Marine and Japanese-led campaign. Marines had staked their claim in history fighting the Japanese, and now they would stake their claim fighting beside them as allies.

So thus, the Third Marine Expeditionary Brigade was slated to fight there too. Under Lieutenant General Augustine's veteran guidance, the Marines would finally be able to branch out and carve a path for themselves in this new world. In keeping with their agreement with the Japanese and the American way, they would adhere to the Geneva Convention and continue to conduct themselves accordingly. Over the following weeks, they would begin to start trickling into Alnus.

All of this was fine by Kane, but the large stack of paperwork with unit names and incoming troops was hardly thrilling. To make matters worse, Hazama had stopped by his office an hour before.

For some terrible reason, someone thought it would be a good idea for Horsemen Four's crew to go to the Diet to and on behalf of the Marines.

Kane wasn't sure whether or not to be nervous or proud.

"God help em."

The fighting that had gone down at Italica was officially known as "The Siege of Italica", but in the hours preceding the battle it had earned a variety of unofficial names as well. "The Turkey Shoot of Italica" and "The Italica Massacre" to name a few. This had been in no small part to due to the ocean of enemy bodies laying around the fortress city and zero casualties any allied forces had received.

10,000 dead and zero friendly losses. To a casual onlooker, these numbers might have been assumed to be part some sort of homicidal invasion, but there was nothing homicidal to them. The enemy had shown up and had its ass decisively handed to it, even if it didn't feel right.

There had been a certain form of reason to what had gone down at Alnus, three uniformed military forces had fought there. It was a textbook counterattack to follow up against a non-textbook incursion into Tokyo.

At Italica, many of the troops, particularly the tankers, felt sick. Here they had fought the enemy and stopped them, yet there wasn't any satisfaction to it. It was more of a clean-up operation than anything else, there was no personal attachment to the kills, just dumping ammo at an almost endless tide.

In the beginning there was still some doubt, no one was entirely sure what lay beyond the gate or if allied firepower was actually absolute. Now that they had been operating in this new world for a while, the allied forces realized they had absolutely nothing to fear, at least not in the way of the enemy's military.

Which is what made Italica so bizarre, so unnatural. Word had to have traveled fast throughout the Special Region, it was hard to not notice tanks and aircraft operating, especially if one had never seen them before. Did these bandits just not hear the rumors? About the decimation of the army sent through the gate? About the battle of Alnus Hill? More importantly, where did they get the numbers?

There was also a form of selfless determination to their attacks, like as if someone had a gun to the back of their head.

In the end, it wouldn't be until much later on that the allies figured out the true motives of the attack.

1500 HOURS, EASTERN COURTYARD, ITALICA

After a few hours of back breaking maintenance, rearm and refuel courtesy of two LVSRs, and picking bits and pieces of men out of the tracks, the tankers of Horsemen platoon finally got some much needed down time. Kincaid and his crew were certainly no exception as they stretched out atop their also took this time to grab some much-desired trophies from their recent fight.

Though it was against rules and regulations, they were far enough from prying eyes and sneaky enough to not have to worry about anyone being any the wiser. From cloaks to even a few swords, the tankers were like pack rats, such was their nature and that of any Marine in particular. They wanted to have tangible proof of their deployment, tributes to their valor and survival.

Meanwhile, various infantry teams continued to help with setting up defenses and assisting any civilians. Occasionally a civilian or two would try to wander over to the tanks only to get waved off by the infantry or be given fatigue induced death glares from the tankers. None of the allies were in the mood for anymore of the cultist jargon from earlier.

Leaning against the front of the turret and laying down on the front slope, Kincaid let out a long yawn and pulled his boonie cover down over his eyes. His job was done for now, hours of being cramped inside a hot turret had certainly worn him out. Hand to hand combat with bandits certainly hadn't helped either.

Finally closing his tired eyes, Kincaid mirrored the rest of the sprawled out crew atop the turret and tried to get some sleep.

Only to be disturbed shortly after.

"Geez Jasper and here I was thinking you were a hard worker."

Kincaid slowly tipped his boonie cover up, when his eyes were met with the image of a smiling Kurokawa at the edge of the front slope, he sighed and let it slowly droop back down. Mumbling from beneath his cover all the while.

"I am a hard worker, my job is to make things go boom and fix the tank. Everything's gone boom and the tank is fixed."

Kurokawa grumbled and gave Kincaid's right boot a sharp smack, clearly she wasn't letting him get any sleep. "Well, I still haven't given you a look over so wake up."

"But I already got looked over, I'm fine."

"A second opinion never hurts."

"Did you check the others?"

"Yes."

"Bullshit."

"I don't like being called a liar Jasper, you and your crew are the last ones I have yet to look over."

"Plausible deniability, can't you let this one slide? I'm tired as hell."

"Everyone's tired and I'm sure you've downed plenty of energy drinks, now wake up."

Kincaid mumbled something incoherent and tried to wave her off with a lazy hand. That was the last mistake he made before she promptly grabbed both of his boots and dragged a now scared senseless Kincaid down to the edge of the front slope. Quickly sitting upright he looked at her with red and dark ring encircled eyes.

"Okay, okay! You win, Jesus Mari!"

"Good, glad you see things my way."

Kincaid could hear a series of chuckles emanating from the top of the turret, he didn't have to look twice to know Elton and the others were probably laughing at his blunder. Sighing, he slowly raised a middle finger at them and hopped off the front slope.

"Okay, let's get this over with."

Kurokawa merely smirked, she knew she had just hurt his pride. Taking off her helmet and unslinging her Type 64, she set them both down on the front slope and began to give him a quick look over, asking questions all the while.

"So how are you feeling?"

"Gah! Geez, you trying to bend my arm backward!? Well, everything's attached fine, just a few bruises that's all."

"Oh don't be such a baby, you're worse than Itami." Kurokawa let go of Kincaid's arm and raised an eyebrow as she looked at the various blood stains that covered his FROG suit.

"With all this blood on you? Could've fooled me, you look like you just pushed someone into a wood chipper. How about mentally? You guys certainly took the brunt of that attack."

Kincaid ran a hand through his matted hair, it had been a while since he had last had a haircut and it was starting to show in a full bushy head of it. "Wouldn't be the first time someone bit off more than they could chew fighting us, sometimes being persistent isn't always a good idea. You should ask the Taliban about that."

Seeing that he was alright physically, Kurokawa folded her arms. "Well next time don't go popping hatches for some last stand cowboy nonsense. You had plenty of support nearby."

Kincaid sighed and took a seat on the edge of the front slope, fishing into his cargo pocket he took out a half crushed pack of cigarettes and lit a crooked one. As he let out a long puff of smoke he regarded her with tired eyes.

"Geez, you're starting to sound like my dad before I went off to Afghan."

"Charmed, so tell me would your dad tell you smoking is bad for you as well?"

"Probably not, he does it too."

"What about your mom?"

"Probably."

"Then smoking is bad for you."

"So is this job."

"Real funny."

"I have my moments."

Seeing that she wasn't going to win this argument Kurokawa sighed and rolled her eyes. "You're a stubborn man Jasper, makes it hard for those looking out for you."

Kincaid chuckled and got a good stretch in, flicking his cigarette butt over the side of the tank. "And now you really do sound like my mom." Seeing that there was an open spot, Kurokawa climbed atop the front slope and sat next to Kincaid, her legs getting a much deserved break from all the back and forth she had been doing all morning.

"Well someone has to look out for you."

"I can take care of myself, besides I have the other guys too."

"A little extra doesn't hurt."

The pair sat there quietly for a moment before Kurokawa spoke up, "So does all of this still remind you of Afghanistan?"

By now Kincaid had gone back to laying down, his legs hanging off the front slope as his boonie cover rested atop his face.

"Not anymore it doesn't."

She had almost swatted Kincaid's cover off his face, but it wasn't as though he needed to be awake. She just wanted him to be.

"Whys that?"

"Because over there we sure as shit weren't worshiped let alone looked at as heroes. We also didn't help kill thousands of men in a single engagement."

No, we were looked at as infidels, invaders on their lands. But at least the fucking insurgents had some intelligence, these people? Stubborn? Or just stupid?

Kurokawa sat silent for a moment, Afghan wasn't her war. She knew deep down that this campaign wasn't anywhere near as bad as Afghanistan. Especially not as bad as Iraq, a war she knew there were plenty of veterans from operating here. Frankly, she just didn't know what to say.

"Well, I can understand that. Say Jasper...that story from before, your Afghan one. When can we talk about it?"

Kincaid shifted and scratched his chest before wrapping his arms around his waist. "The next time we're free and I'm not about to pass out."

"Promise?"

Kincaid slowly gave her a thumbs up before his arm lazily flopped back down. "Promise."

"Good, I'll hold you to that."

Silence reigned supreme for a short while until Kincaid shifted a bit. "Wait, aren't you going to check the others?"

Kurokawa smiled as she began gathering her things, hopping off the front slope she winked at him before donning her helmet and slinging her rifle.

"Plausible deniability Jasper."

With that, she made her way back to the other infantry teams. The courtyard had been cleared for the most part, but there were still a lot of bodies to tend to, both alive and dead.

As she walked away she left a confused but too tired to care Kincaid to slowly go back to sleep. A sleep that was once again shortly interrupted this time by the rest of the crew.

"Dude, you know she came over here just to talk to you."

"Yeah bro she was bullshitting you from jump street."

"Si Hermano, when you gonna act on that? Fraternization or not you gotta clear the air up."

"Actually, that shit doesn't apply here. Since she's from a different military ole lover boy won't get charged, well as long as it doesn't get too out of hand."

"Bruh, shit always gets out of hand. One minute they'll be holding hands and picking out medieval trinkets, the next he'll be giving her a "private" tour of the tank."

Kincaid promptly smacked his hand on the front slope's rough surface. "Wilkes, not everyone here is thinking with their pants."

Totally a lie.

"Bullshit, mark my words bruh. By the end of this deployment there's gonna be some weird lookin ass babies popping up out of nowhere. I heard some rumors that some platoon commander in Three Four is already laying the mack on one of those cat girls, they saved her and some others from some sort of slave caravan."

"Well, I guarantee you once command gets wind of that they'll put the brakes on it. You really think that shit is gonna fly? Anyways as long as none of those babies are yours we'll be good. I think we can all agree that your kids would come out just as fucked up as you, the cat ears wouldn't help either.

"Message!"

A series of tired chuckles echoed shortly after that and things went back to being quiet for a while. Kincaid groaned and inched his way up the front slope and to the base of the turret. When he reached his destination he placed his boonie cover under his head and placed his head in the shade provided by the turret.

"But back on the topic of Kurokawa. The hell makes me so special?" He lay there for a moment before he heard Elton mumble from beneath his own boonie cover.

This time Elton responded. "Chicks like unique things, you're a Marine tanker bro. You're also a veteran with a far left or far right personality depending on the situation, plus you're a nerd. Way I see it, she's never met a guy quite like you before. She's probably interested off that alone, once she finds out how well traveled you are and the kind of family you're from? You'll have her sold."

Kincaid scoffed as he began to close his eyes. "Yeah well I'm here on a job, I don't exactly have time for that sorta thing."

Another lie.

"There's always time for that sort of thing bro. You just gotta reach out and grab it."

"Yeah yeah, whatever. Look just shut the fuck up so I can get some sleep alright?"

He's totally right.

Suddenly Aldritch's voice came out loud enough for the whole courtyard to hear. "Tankers form it up!"

A long series of groans followed as each of the tanks' crews began to make their way towards the center, forming a small circle around Aldritch; they stood, knelt, and sat as they were given the word for the next "adventure". Clouds of smoke began to appear as various Marines began to light up cigarettes.

"Alright...how's everyone doing?"

A few unenthusiastic "Rah"'s rang out before silence began to settle over the platoon. Aldritch sighed and rubbed his forehead, morale was understandably low.

"Alright, alright. I get it, we're tired, we want to get some sleep, maybe test our luck and my patience and flirt with the local women. Looking at you Parker."

Parker and Elton looked at each other as they exchanged amused glances. They both shared a common name and in an MOS where first name basis was standard, it made for some interesting situations.

"Sir, which Parker?"

"The white one."

"Of course..."

A series of laughs followed by some enthusiastic "Rah"'s rang out before Aldritch put his hands out to get some quiet.

"Boys, phenomenal job out there. Once again Second Tanks has proven its worth and shown once again that we are the ace in the hole. Colonel Kane himself has extended his thanks and congratulations for a job well done. But you know what they say, no rest for the wicked, and boys there's plenty of wicked to go around. That been said, we've been tasked to provide security at each of the roads leading to Italica. Some important diplomatic talks are about to go down and between you and I? Something tells me we're about to have our own FOB, a place to call our own where can finally do things our way."

Some hushed whispers spread throughout the platoon, their own FOB? Diplomatic talks? What was next?

"Though I haven't been exactly briefed as to what the talks will entail, Major Joyce is currently the commanding officer in charge here. He'll be present to discuss the terms and agreements to be laid out, but we can't have anyone show up and spoil the party. So each tank will break off and head to predetermined checkpoints leading to here. Once the talks are over, we're going to break off and head back here."

At this point no one was complaining anymore, overwatch was one the easiest gigs a tanker could do. Hours of sitting inside a tank was hardly a fun time, but it also beat road marches and assaults. Being independent and away from prying eyes also made things less stressful, it also made for some good sleep too.

"Now for some good news, we'll be shacking up here tonight. As an act of good will, the Major has offered his boys to stand guard duty tonight. That means more sleep for us, but be vigilant all the same. Last thing we need are curious locals trying to climb aboard. Any questions?"

Silence reigned supreme once again as the tankers merely shook their heads.

"Right then; Four you have the Eastern, Three you have the Southern, Two Western, and my tank the Northern. Alright, Horsemen mount up and roll out, let's get this shit done with."

"Errrrr!"

And may god have mercy on the poor sods who try to start shit at one of the checkpoints. Cause my boys won't.

In moments tankers scrambled to their vehicles, engines began to roar to life, comm checks were carried out, and four M1A1s rolled out to their predetermined spots.

OUTSIDE FORMAL ESTATE MEETING ROOM

Emerson and the rest of Hitman watched with annoyed eyes as an argument began to break out between Itami and 2/6's commanding officer Major Joyce. In truth they weren't picking any sides, they were there as Joyce's "bodyguard" should anything go awry. Emerson didn't care much for politics, he was a trigger puller, not a soothsayer.

Just like any warm blooded Marine.

"Sir, what right do you have to bring Italica under your control? I thought you were here to support us."

"We are Lieutenant Itami, but command has deemed it necessary for us to be able to operate independently should the time arise. It's hard to mutually defend when we're all crammed into one big sardine can back at Alnus. Besides, last time I checked a Self Defense Force didn't continuously push forward in acts of aggression. This helps keep the heat off your back. Besides, the people here are clearly in need of a helping hand. Or did you miss the damage we caused?"

"In what way? We're not here to occupy anything further past Alnus. We're not here to conquer this land."

"Conquer? That's pretty bold coming from someone who's nation is declaring an entire goddamn world as an extension of their own lands. Your PM's words not mine."

The Major paused before continuing his verbal assault. The last thing he had the patience for was a junior officer talking out of his ass and it showed on his face beginning to turn red.

"So you mean to tell me you're just going to sit your happy asses at Alnus and not push out any further? Oh surely your leaders aren't thinking about the potential resources here. I was born on a day, but it wasn't yesterday Itami. You can play the hero card all you want, but nothing is free. Not in this world, our world, or any other."

Itami froze for a moment as he tried to find the words to say. He never got the chance.

"Listen lieutenant, why don't you leave the art of carrying out occupation operations to those who have done so. It's not like these people have the means to properly defend themselves, what we're doing here isn't any different than what we've done before."

"And look how that turned out."

"What was that?"

Before Itami could utter another word Emerson walked up to him and put a hand on his shoulder. "Stand down Itami, you can't win this one. Go see to your men, I'm sure they're just as shook up as everyone else."

Defeated, Itami sighed and nodded, making his way down the hallway with a glum looking Kuwahara in tow.

Joyce ran his hand across his forehead as he sighed. "The "Hero of Ginza", who the fuck does that dumbass think he is?"

Emerson merely shrugged at the question. "He's a little eccentric, maybe a little naive, but I get the feeling his heart is in the right place. Just the right guy in the wrong place that's all."

"Yeah? Well the road to ruin is paved with good intentions. I don't need some boot ass self defense force lieutenant trying to school me, I should've fried his ass right then and there." The major paused and rubbed his forehead. "God damn Japanese."

Nutt had been listening in on the exchange and felt like it was time for his "two cents".

"Hell of a wrong place for him to be eh boss?"

"Can it Nutt."

The Corporal enthusiastically stood at attention for a moment before returning to his original position. Meanwhile, Joyce shook his head and turned to face the large wooden door in front of him. On the other side of the door were the Imperials, the people he was about to begin delegations with.

The first step on the road to making some damn progress, taking in a deep breathe Joyce opened the door and entered the meeting room, Hitman following behind him.

Meanwhile,

1600 HOURS, EASTERN APPROACH TO ITALICA

Felicia is gonna love this.

Van Hauser opened his Humvee's passenger door and reached for his assault pack, in truth this had been the fourth time he had done it since his squad had made their way out to their checkpoint. It felt nice to do something like this for once, it had been too long since he had actually been given the chance to. Unzipping his assault pack's largest pouch, he fished around inside and found the object he was searching for, a gift.

He eyed the elaborate jeweled necklace he had traded a few scales for back at Italica, sitting in his fingerless gloved hands it looked out of place, just like the woman he was slowly developing feelings for. Shaking his head with a smile, he placed it back inside his assault pack, closed the Humvee's door, and continued to look down the road.

"Damn, we haven't even been here a month and you're already catching the feelings for puss in boots?"

Boyd laughed from atop the Humvee as his legs hung down over the front window, his M39 cradled in his arms. For once he had actually forgone his usual tan cap, instead sporting his issued Kevlar. If the rest of the squad heard him they certainly didn't show it as they mindlessly paced around the makeshift sign they had put a few feet ahead.

Unlike their Japanese counterparts sitting in their Komatsu LAV parallel to them on the other side of the road, the Marines were restless. Even with the few awkward and laden with broken English conversations they had, time just seemed to drag on. The heat from the blaring sun and the nauseating smell of death coming from Italica didn't help either.

Occasionally a gunshot would ring out from some poor soul being given a merciful death or an unlucky vulture who simply got too close to one of the medical teams out in the fields. While their Japanese counterparts had jumped in their seats more than once, the Marines simply rolled their eyes. One shot hardly meant anything, it was when you heard multiple shots that something was up.

"It's okay to be jealous Boyd, I mean if all I ever fucked were my cousins I'd be pretty envious too."

"Jesus, isn't that the fourth time you've used that joke? I'm not knocking ya, William, we've been in the same platoon for what three years now? I'm happy you've found someone, even if you are a bonafide furry now."

Van Hauser adjusted the sling for his carbine as he lit a cigarette, "You really know how to pull on my heartstrings you know that? Thanks, I guess, asshole."

"Hehe, love you too man."

Before the conversation could continue the two Marines and everyone else looked over their shoulders back towards Italica, an all too familiar sound was making its way up the road. Boyd laughed as he took a sip from his hydration pouch's tube."

"Well, right on schedule. Bring forth Iron Horse!"

In moments a tan M1A1 gunned its way up the road towards them, it's gun elevated and over the front as it kicked up a dust cloud behind it. Upon further examination, the Marines could see the long claw marks on the front right side of its turret.

"Well I'll be damned, it's the dragon fighters!"

By now the Japanese soldiers had hopped out of their LAV and were taking pictures of the tank as it began to slow down. It didn't matter what military you were in, a tank was a tank, it had an allure that was timeless.

Finally, the tank began to creep its way towards the roadblock, its turbine engine wailing as it propelled it forward between the two armored trucks and behind the sign. After a few minutes of it sitting there, its engine finally began to shut down. As it did so its drivers hatch slowly popped up and swung to the right, a large cloud of smoke following it. A small Hispanic looking fellow popped his head up and smiled at the infantry, a lit cigarette in his mouth.

"Ey! Como Estas?!"

Van Hauser and his squad looked at the driver with raised eyebrows as another voice came down from above the tank. "Hey! Any of you guys got any smokes? We're like kinda running low."

Boyd jumped up from his seat and turned to face the tank and its crew, "Hell yeah we do, you guys got any extra room up there for us to sit?!"

The tank's loader and commander exchanged looks before looking at the Marines with their now lowered balaclavas, "Fuck yeah we do sir! Welcome aboard!"

FORMAL ESTATE MEETING ROOM

In a large elaborate conference room, the delegations between two worlds had begun. On one side Joyce, speaking on behalf of the U.S. Marines. On the other side Princess Piña Co Lada, Hamilton and the Countess of Formal Myui.

Meanwhile, Emerson and his team did their best to look professional as they took up some spots near a back wall. Well, as professional as a nights worth of fighting could make one look. Though their Kevlars had long been taken off and fixed to the front of their plate carriers, they still had the rest of their gear on. As such they had the looks of a group of warriors who wouldn't hesitate to kill once the order was given. A fact not lost on the royalty as they occasionally glanced at them with nervous eyes.

Accompanying the Raiders were a few officers of the JSDF, they were there as spectators to this event. To ensure that the Marines didn't go overboard and everything went as according to plan.

With Lelei standing to the side as a translator, Joyce took a step forward and gave his best bow.

"Princess, Countess. My name is Major Joyce, I am the company commander for Second Battalion Sixth Marine Regiment Bravo Company. On behalf of the United States Marine Corps, I am honored to be having this meeting with you. My men and I were glad to be able to assist you and your people in your time of need."

As Lelei translated the Major's words, the sound of yet another mercy killing rang out causing the royalty to jump in their seats. When the moment of suspense passed, one of Piña's knights, Hamilton came forward with a long scroll in her hands.

"On behalf of the town of Italica, it's rightful ruler Myui of Formal, and Princess Piña Co Lada, Third Imperial Princess of the Empire, we thank both the YuuEss Marine Core and the JayEssDe Ef for their assistance in our time of need. In accordance with proper formalities, we would like to negotiate your compensation."

Now was where things got interesting, all allied eyes fell upon Joyce. This was where he broke the news, the news that things were about to change for Italica and their way of life.

"Respectfully, these proceedings are indeed formalities. My leadership has come to the conclusion that following the siege here, this town is woefully undermanned and incapable of protecting itself should it come under attack again. That been said Imperial Protocol no longer applies here, starting today this town will be occupied by U.S. forces. As the JSDF are our allies, they have full rights to aid us in this town's occupation as well."

A few of the Japanese officers nodded in respect, bad news didn't get any better with age but Joyce had delivered it to the best of his abilities. That was no small feat, especially for a man who was only a company commander.

As Lelei translated the words, both Hamilton and the princess's eyes went wide with shock. "C-come again?"

"As I have said, this town is undermanned and incapable of defending itself in its current state. Your highness, countess, we have come here with nothing but good intentions. In order to promote peace and stability in this region, we have decided to occupy this town in order to aid in its rebuilding and to secure the trade routes for future exchanges. Under the Geneva Convention, we will aid this town, any civilians, and both the wounded of the enemy and your own. The details of which will be divulged to you later."

Hamilton exchanged worried looks with the princess as Lelei translated. Meanwhile, the countess seemed absolutely confused. She understood that these soldiers would be occupying her town, but what was a Geneva Convention?

"The men who originally came here's focus was to trade in dragon scales, now that the situation has changed we'd like to move those profits towards the rebuilding of the town."

Joyce looked at Lelei, searching for confirmation that she was in agreement with this. As the young sorcerer nodded in return Joyce returned his gaze to the Imperials.

"To my knowledge, said scales are currently at a quantity estimated to be at 330,000 Denari this not including the amount we still have at Alnus. These funds combined with any revenue generated by Italica should be more than enough to aid in repairing the damage."

Hamilton took a step forward and began to talk, Lelei translating all the while. "When you mention the Genkneeva Kahnvention, what does that entail in regards to both the citizens and the wounded. Both enemy and our own?"

"To treat them Humanely, what that means is that they will be treated as you would a friend or relative."

At this remark Hamilton clenched her fists, in all her years she had never heard of such absurdity. "Do friends or relatives; burn towns, rape, and plunder?"

"No, but our terms are absolute. We merely intend to occupy this town. Both the original ruler and politics governed here will remain as they did originally, and we will do our best to ensure it stays that way."

Piña exchanged a look with the Countess, taking the time to digest the information and terms that had been given to them. Finally, the countess took a stand, looking at Joyce all the while.

"If you mean what you say, I shall take your word for it."

Hamilton and Piña looked at her with worried looks. "Countess!?"

"Do not interrupt me, I am still the ruling head of Clan Formal. Seeing as how the Empire clearly doesn't care about our safety and well being, Formal will accomplish what they have not. This is still our territory in the end."

The young ruler promptly returned her attention to the Major. "Mayjor Joyce? we shall accept your terms, but on one condition."

Joyce and the other allies present in the room looked at the countess with expectant looks, what could her condition possibly be?

"We shall hear you out."

"I wish an audience with the men and women who came to my town, the ones led by Lootenant Aldritch and Itami. If they are to occupy here alongside your forces, it's only fitting we get to know each other more."

Joyce exchanged glances with the Japanese officers, as they nodded in agreement he returned his gaze to the countess as he took a bow

"That can be arranged Ma'am."

"Very good."

And with that, the delegations concluded. As Joyce and Hitman left the room Emerson walked by his side.

"Good show sir, I hate politics you could never get me up there."

Joyce sighed as they made their way down the hallway. "You think I do? I lead men not conduct delegations. So what happens to you now?"

Emerson glanced over at his team as they nodded in return. "We return to Alnus, we might get stationed here, who knows. All I know is we have to report back to Colonel Kane."

"What for?"

"Classified, sorry sir"

"Heh, yeah I know how you raiders operate."

Suddenly Joyce's radio erupted with noise. "Italica this is Checkpoint Echo, be advised we have some uh..." Some yelling went on in the background as the Marine on the other end conversed with his men.

"Rose Order Knights, they say they're from the Capital and they're here for the Princess Piña Co...Lada?"

Joyce grabbed his radio and calmly spoke into it, "Roger we just finished talks with the Princess. Try to resolve the situation peacefully and bring them here with an escort."

"Solid copy, Echo out."

Joyce promptly turned on his heels and made his way back into the conference room, as he stepped inside he eyed Princess Piña with a raised eyebrow.

"Ma'am? We have a bit of a problem."

Meanwhile

The lead rider, a woman with shoulder length curled blonde hair, stared at the tank with her mouth agape as its barrel aimed directly at her and the rest of her order. All their boldness, their arrogance, all of it had been for naught in the presence of the armored behemoth.

Suddenly Van Hauser exited his Humvee, taking a few steps forward, he eyed Elton. "Alright, they're good to go. You mind escorting them back to Italica? The talks are over, we can watch the road from here."

"Yeah we got em, if they try anything funny we'll give em the what for."

XXXXXXX

Earlier

Everything had been fine and peaceful up until the riders came, Kincaid's crew had been conversing with the Marines and JSDF aboard their tank. War stories were swapped and friendly banter exchanged between the men of two different organizations as cigarettes were lit and the men enjoyed the down time.

The mood abruptly stopped once Kincaid's shouting came from within the tank. Cigarette buds were put out and infantry began to take cover behind their vehicles and the tank, charging handles were racked and safeties flicked off. No one in the mood for bullshit after Italica.

"H-Hey Honcho! I got something coming up the road!"

Elton donned his comm helmet and slid into the turret, taking up his position by his sights he watched as Wilkes charged his loader's 240 and aimed it down the road. As he looked down his sights, he saw what Kincaid saw.

"Well I'll be damned, is that Joan of Ark?"

"Nah it's the bitch brigade."

"No shit?!"

Up the road came a small platoon-sized group of all female riders, clad in ornate armor and atop similarly garbed horses, they flew a flag high and proud. Emblazoned on it was a crest now known to belong to the Empire. They came full speed up the road, as they got closer they promptly stopped in front of the roadblock, their horses mere inches away from the allies.

For a while, they glared at the men with hateful eyes, hateful at their arrogance to dare defy their order. They had been so focused, that they nearly jumped as the tank's turret came to life and jerked its gun in their direction. For a few moments, all was quiet, neither side dared make a move, finally the lead rider came forward.

"I am Bozes Co Palesti of the Rose Order of Knights, identify yourselves!"

Van Hauser took a step forward from next to his Humvee, his men, and the JSDF meanwhile began to spread out, their weapons aimed all the while.

"This is a military checkpoint, state your business!"

By now the allies had completely encircled the riders, a fact that did little to dampen the mood. Unlike the Marines who had dealt with this sort of thing before, the Japanese looked like they were ready to open fire. A couple of the Marines had to stand close to them and shake their heads, this was a situation that required finesse.

"What arrogance! We are Imperial Royalty, we have business in Italica with Princess Piña Co Lada!"

Van Hauser gulped, he knew what he was about to say was hardly good news. "Italica is currently under occupation by the U.S. Marines and the JSDF, we're currently in the midst of some diplomatic talks with the town's leadership. I'm going to need you to wait before I can clear you to enter."

Suddenly Bozes and the riders drew their swords. "What did you say!?"

"I said, you're going to have to wait." Van Hauser tightened his grip on his carbine, the rest of his men and the Japanese doing the same.

In moments swords were unsheathed and rifles were brought up, Bozes raising her voice all the while. "We answer to nobody except Princess Piña Co Lada. You will move or we will make you move!"

Van Hauser glared. "Not a wise idea Ma'am. If you could just calm down-"

"I will do no such thing!"

Just as one of the JSDF soldiers had unsafed his rifle, Elton's voice rang out from atop the tank, promptly dissuading the soldier from proceeding any further than that.

"Are you fucking stupid!?"

Everyone present looked at the top of the tank at a now fully exposed Elton, his shotgun aimed directly at Bozes. "Lady I don't think you understand the situation you're in. There's a fucking tank in front of you, what the hell do you possibly hope to achieve by trying to fight us?!"

Van Hauser simply stood by and let the corporal continue, whatever he was doing was starting to work.

Elton made his way down the turret and stopped just at the edge of it pointing down to the claw marks on the turret and blood stains that adorned the hull.

"You see this? A fucking flame dragon made those, the very same dragon who's ass we kicked! What in god's name do you possibly think you could do?! You see this blood? That's from the assholes who tried to storm into this place, all dead by our hands and the hands of the fine gentlemen you see here. Italica and its leadership still stand thanks to us, now if you would just please shut your fucking mouth! All of this could go a lot smoother."

Bozes sat there stumped as to what to say, she had been promptly put her in her place. For the first time in years she had been made humble. This was in no small part due to the fact that this blood stain covered man claimed to have fought a flame dragon, and won.

"Tank?.."

"Yes a goddamn tank, we command terrible fire magic and have the ability to destroy you and your order with but a word. You would do well to sheath your weapons lest you invoke our wrath!"

Seeing the situation for what it was, Bozes nodded to her riders, they in turn slowly sheathed their swords.

Elton looked at Van Hauser as he made his way back to his cupola. "If she tries anything we have a can round in the tube, just make sure to cover your ears sir."

"Yeah, got it. Appreciate the assistance corporal." He paused before raising an eyebrow. "Who taught you how to talk like black Shakespeare by the way?"

Elton took a seat atop his cupola, lighting a cigarette and keeping his shotgun aimed directly at Bozes.

"My dumbass gunner's cartoons."

XXXXXXX

Elton and Wilkes watched as Bozes and the rest of her knights slowly continued up the road, the tank slowly following them trackpad over trackpad. Occasionally one of the riders would slowly look over their shoulder at the tank, only to quickly return their gaze to the road ahead when Elton or Wilkes glared at them.

"I'm too fucking tired for this medieval bullcrap right now."

Wilkes leaned back against his hatch as he loosened his grip on his 240. "Bruh you're telling me, like I don't get it. If I didn't know what a tank was and I saw this shit? I'd be dropping to my knees, was stupidity a common thing in the medieval ages?"

Kincaid's voice came through the tank's net as a mumble. "We're talking about the same people who chucked spears at us during the Ginza fight, so yeah, sounds about right. Look let's just get this shit done with and get some relax time in."

"Agreed, we drop these broads off, park the tank, after ops, chow, sleep?"

All the tankers nodded their heads in agreement. "Sleep!"

"Whoah heads up!"

Suddenly a small team of ATVs gunned it down the road towards the knights and the tank, their riders obscured by their thick dark brown cloaks and hoods. To the tankers, they were known as Hitman, but to the knights, they looked like phantoms. Interestingly enough, one of the ATV's had the siren from earlier riding on the back, her arms wrapped around one of the Raiders.

She looked petrified to say the least.

Before the knights had the chance to react to these strange new contraptions and their riders, Elton yelled over the tank's engine.

"They're with us! Stand down!"

As the quads got closer, they promptly split up and passed the group on either side.

"Oorah Raiders!"

The only acknowledgment that Emerson and his team gave the tankers were a series of nods and waves. Once they passed the group, they sped off towards Alnus. With the situation back to normal, the group continued on its path towards Italica, the crew breaking back into its usual banter.

"Well, that's enough cameos for one day don't you think?"

"The hell are you talking about?"

"I dunno I'm just bored."

"Yeah? I'm bored too, but what the hell do you mean cameos?"

"Well we worked with them before, I mean..."

"Bruh, just shut up Four-Eyes"

"Si, you're talking that loco shit man."

"Rampage? Bite me, Little John? I'm kicking your ass when we get back."

"All of you shut the hell up, I'm trying to focus on Joan of Ark and the bitch brigade here. One of em keeps looking at me like I'm some sort of abhuman. She does it again and I'll give her something to be condescending about."

No sooner had the knights and the tank made their way into Italica, pre-staged infantry teams surrounded the knights. Meanwhile inquisitive looks came down from atop the walls as the men observed the strange newcomers. The knights seemed to get the hint, they were outnumbered and outgunned, better to cooperate at the expense of pride than to be killed where they stood.

As the knights dismounted their horses, the teams then escorted them to the Formar estate. Meanwhile, Here We Go Again slowly backed into its original spot. As the engine shut down and the crew began to dismount, a number of things caught their eyes. First, all of the other tanks were already staged and back in the courtyard. Second, all the other crews were already dismounted and were standing in front of their tanks. Third and finally, Aldritch was talking to another officer.

A Major by a quick glance at his collar.

"Jesus, this can't be good."

Confirming Kincaid's suspicions Aldritch raised his hand into the air and spun it in a circle.

"Horsemen, form up on me!"

"Fucking told you..."

As the tankers once again crowded around their platoon commander, cigarettes were lit and bodies tensed awaiting the news.

"Another successful job men, especially you Four. That was a crisis narrowly averted, especially after the talks just got done."

Kincaid and his crew fist bumped as they exchanged smiles.

"However, looks like we have one more job. Now, before you start crapping your pants and getting all flustered, it's not a combat job. It's a hearts and minds job."

The tankers of Horsemen platoon looked at each other with worried looks, hearts and minds wasn't part of their M.O. All they wanted to do was kick back and relax.

"The Countess Myui, as well as her Imperial dignitaries have sent forth their thanks to us and RCT3. They have also expressed the desire to meet us. Gentlemen, put on your smiles and good suits. We're about to get recognized alongside RCT3"

The tankers looked around with raised eyebrows, why did anyone want to meet them? More importantly, they were hardly dressed for the occasion.

"We'll be heading to the estate in fifteen minutes, so shave if you haven't already. And Four? For god's sake change your goddamn FROG shirts."

Kincaid and his crew looked at their blood stained shirts before smiling at Aldritch. "Rah Sir."

"Very good, alright boys you know the drill. Hop to it, oh and Four? Stay here a moment."

As the rest of the crews took off to their respective tanks to "freshen up", Aldritch sighed as he looked at his remaining four tankers. "Well, this is either good news or bad news depending n how you want to take it, I don't want the other crews knowing right now as they might get...well a little jealous."

Elton took a step forward as he raised an eyebrow. "Sir? What's going on?" Meanwhile, Kincaid and the others mirrored Elton's expression, they were just as curious."

"Right, well I got the word while we were at our checkpoint. The Diet summons have invited some Marines to speak on behalf of the whole and since you guys are apparently the "Dragon Fighters" as well as the ones who are now plastered all over television screens riding to the gate with Itami? You'll be accompanying me to the diet."

"Eh!?"

All the tankers including Elton simultaneously dropped their mouths low like an open breech. Suddenly questions began flying at Aldritch from all sides as the four men began their barrage.

"How!?"

"Why!?"

"What will we wear!?"

"Sir we're just tankers! Why us!?"

"We have to get all shaved and prettied don't we!?"

Aldritch put his hands out as his face twisted into a frown. "Boys? Yes, I understand we're tankers, yes I understand it's sudden. But this is coming from the colonel himself. Believe it or not, the Third Marine Expeditionary Brigade is slated to start making its way through the gate here in the next month. Times are changing and there's a lot of moving pieces going into this campaign.

The officer paused and rubbed his eyes. Motivating speech or not, he really wasn't in the mood for going to a big political summons. He tried his best to motivate the men however.

"I don't know why they want us to accompany Itami and the others, but that's that. Think of it as a chance for you to become famous. We've already made a name for ourselves here, might as well do it back home too right?"

Accepting defeat Elton and the others sighed before Aldritch dismissed them. As they made their way to the tank, the crew began to voice their opinions.

"Hey, at least, we'll get to wear normal people clothes and get some libo."

"Bruh, this shit is a trap. Watch we'll go, talk, someone will fuck something up and we'll all get in trouble.

"Yeah? Only if you talk Wilkes, I think this is a golden opportunity...for more supplies."

Kincaid rolled his eyes as he hopped atop the tank. "Whatever, we're fucking tankers, not public talkers. Mark my words you guys this shit is not gonna be good."

As the crew made their way to the bustle rack, they opened their assault packs and began taking out fresh FROG shirts.

Taking them off had brokered a number of responses; a few catcalls from the Marines manning Italica's walls, some curious eyes from the villagers eyeing the strange colored shirtless men and their tattoos, and one the tankers had really could've done without.

"Mmmm oh my, please don't mind me."

As they looked down the side of the tank they saw the origin of the voice. A now blushing Rory Mercury holding her face.

"Please do take your time, no rush."

One by one each of the tankers groaned.

"Ugh...why us?"

"God..please go away."

"Fucking jailbait."